Dumpster with solar panels

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides the combination of a garbage dumpster, one or more solar panels, and a storage pod for receiving the dumpster. The garbage dumpster has lifting elements for lifting the dumpster to be emptied. The storage pod has a flat surface for receiving and storing the garbage dumpster. Also, one or more solar panels are connected to the storage pod and located above the storage pod for collecting the solar energy. An inverter is connected to the solar panels for converting the solar energy to electric energy. In addition, a storage battery is connected to the inverter for collecting the electric energy for future use.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to improvements in the storage of garbage dumpsters and the ability to generate renewable electric energy, and more particularly to incorporate solar panels onto existing conventional dumpsters and within a prefabricated assembly to enclose any size commercial dumpster.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prefabricated assembly of the present invention fully encloses a dumpster (garbage), within three double walls, in combination with a fourth front opening section to provide the solar dumpster pod with easy access for mechanized pickup by a garbage truck. The garbage dumpster itself is positioned within the dumpster pod resting on the pod floor that consists of rollers or ball bearings to slide the garbage dumpster in and out of the pod for emptying. This drawer-like effect does not disturb the solar upper roof-like component. The top of the solar garbage dumpster pod includes a series of solar panels, which produces energy by collecting light and sunshine and transforming the solar energy into renewable energy using an inverter for transferring power to the local power grid and by using a battery/storage compartment along with a balancer. In this manner the energy is available to power up appliances, lighting, machinery, etc. The solar dumpster pod can also supply power to its own lighting and security features to monitor and curtail illegal dumping, over dumping and criminal activity that is prevalent in and around dumpster areas.

The structure of the solar pod enclosure material is plywood; or it may be formulated from recyclable plastics, which are low maintenance, insect resistant, lack toxicity, increase sustainability, and reduce greenhouse emissions. In the combination, there is a spring loaded anchoring device to make the complete assembly impact resistant.

OBJECTS

It is an object of the present invention to provide the combination of a dumpster with solar panels to provide solar energy to an adjacent building, and to provide the solar energy to a local power grid.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage pod for receiving the dumpster, in combination with solar panels connected to the storage pod.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

The prior art does not show the combination of a garbage dumpster with solar panels mounted on a storage pod, or the solar panels are affixed to a conventional dumpster.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides the combination of a garbage dumpster, one or more solar panels, and a storage pod for receiving the dumpster. The garbage dumpster has lifting elements for lifting the dumpster to be emptied. The storage pod has a flat surface for receiving and storing the garbage dumpster. Also, one or more solar panels are connected to the storage pod and located above the storage pod for collecting the solar energy. An inverter is connected to the solar panels for converting the solar energy to electric energy. In addition, a storage battery is connected to the inverter for collecting the electric energy for future use, so it is available for the storage of electrical energy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, which taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the fourth embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the fifth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 of the present invention shows a garbage dumpster 10 connected to one or more solar panels 20 by connectors 30 having springs 32, and the springs act like shock absorbers to protect the solar panels 20 when the dumpster 10 is moved or lifted for emptying of trash.

The dumpster 10′ may vary in size from 3 cubic yards to 40 cubic yards, and the solar panels 20 may vary in size and numbers. There may be, for example, up to 8 solar panels in each embodiment.

FIG. 2 of the present invention shows a modified dumpster 10′ having side handles 12′ for being lifted. An enclosure 40 is provided having stationary walls 42, 44, and 46, and movable and swinging sections 48 to allow the dumpster 10′ to be removed from the enclosure 40 and emptied without interfering with solar panels 20′. Wall 40 has springs 40A to act as shock absorbers when the dumpster is moved and lifted. Solar panels 20′ have connectors 32 which plug into wall 42.

FIG. 3 of the present invention shows a dumpster 10′ having side handles 12′, and multiple solar panels 20′ connected in series. Dumpster 10 has a spring loaded base 32, and they act like shock absorbers to protect solar panels 20′ when the dumpster 10′ is moved or lifted for emptying of the trash. The dumpster 10′ is connected to the solar panels 20′ by connector member 30 having springs 32. In addition, dumpster 10′ is connected to a battery 50 for storing energy collected from solar panels 20′. An inverter 52 is provided to connect the energy to AC power which is provided to an adjacent building 54 having an electric meter 56 for keeping track of the energy used by the building.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, there is also provided area lighting 60 (optional) for safety, and a surveillance camera 62 having a 360 degree surveillance capability, and which may be operational on a 24/7 basis. Also, a support 64 is provided for supporting an emergency phone 66 (optional) and an antenna 68.

This Green Earth Clean Air Sanitation Dumpster 10 is the only system of its kind that utilizes alternate renewable energy resources in the sanitation industry that generates electricity at dumpster sites, thereby reducing that carbon footprint; and surveys the dumpster area for illegal activity and illegal dumping. Renewable energy obtained from the solar panels 20 will be used to run devices attached to the dumpster, which include, but are not limited to, surveillance camera 62 and also for storage. The unused energy will be passed through invertor 52 and diverted to existing electric lines for energy credits from the local electricity company. This Green Earth Clean Air Sanitation Dumpster 10 may be used with or without a prefabricated dumpster enclosure 40. This Green Earth Clean Air Sanitation Dumpster can be used in any existing dumpster area. The system provides a method of introducing a renewable energy resource (solar) at affordable prices to any business or residential owner that require the use of dumpsters.

An alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 4, which includes the combination of a dumpster 10″ and solar panels 20″ connected to a metal pod 80. The dumpster 10″ is removably mounted on pod 80, and may be of any size. In addition, pod 80 has a vertical wall 80A with springs 80B which act as shock absorbers when the dumpster is moved or lifted. Solar panels 20″ are connected to pod 80 by a support member 82. Support member 82 is telescopically adjustable, and is also rotatable to change the position of the solar panels to adjust to the sun.

Storage pod 80 may be used for storage when dumpster 10″ is not present on pod 80. Pod 80 includes box outlet 84 for collecting the energy and connecting it to a building, and electric grid, or any other user of the energy, such as a power company.

The pod is universal for receiving all dumpsters. Lifting elements 12″ are provided, so that a truck may back in and engage lifting elements 12″ to lift the dumpster off the pod and empty it. There is a clearance space of 5 feet to 10 feet to lift the dumpster without engaging the solar panels which are positioned above the dumpster.

The system of FIG. 4 may also include safety lighting, an emergency phone, and a surveillance camera, as shown in FIG. 3, as well as a battery storage unit an inverter.

An alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 5, which includes the combination of a dumpster 110 and solar panels 120 connected to a metal pod 180. The dumpster 110 is removably mounted on pod 180, and may be of any size, and has lifting handles 112 to lift the dumpster. Solar panels 120 are connected to pod 180 by a support member 182, which is adjustable for proper height, and can be rotated to change the direction of the solar panels for optimal solar energy performance.

Storage pod 180 may be used for storage when dumpster 110 is not present on pod 180. A box outlet 184 is provided for collecting the energy and connecting it to a building, and electric grid, or any other user of the energy, such as a power company.

In this embodiment, additional solar panels 120″ are provided, and an additional storage area 190 is provided of a size which ranges from 4 feet by 5 feet to 30 feet by 30 feet. The storage are 190 includes a roll up door 192 at the rear for easy access to the storage area 190. Alternatively, swing open doors 194 may be provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage area 190 is mounted on the top surface of pod 180. In this manner, additional storage is provided, as well as additional solar panels.

In addition, pod 180 has a vertical wall 180A with springs 180B which act as shock absorbers when the dumpster is moved or lifted.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention has provided the combination of a dumpster with solar panels to provide solar energy to an adjacent building, and to provide the solar energy to a local power grid.

The present invention has provided a storage pod for receiving the dumpster, in combination with solar panels connected to the storage pod.

A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein. 

1) A combination of a garbage dumpster, one or more solar panels, and a storage pod for receiving the dumpster, comprising; a) said garbage dumpster having lifting elements for lifting the dumpster to be emptied; b) said storage pod having a flat surface for receiving and storing said garbage dumpster; c) one or more of said solar panels connected to said storage pod and located above said storage pod for collecting solar energy; d) an inverter connected to said solar panels for converting said solar energy to electric energy; and e) a storage battery connected to said inverter for collecting said electric energy. 2) The combination in accordance with claim 1, wherein said dumpster has a size of 3 cubic yards to 40 cubic yards. 3) The combination in accordance with claim 1, wherein said solar panels are connected in series to provide more solar energy. 4) The combination in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pod is made of metal, and has springs for supporting it. 5) A combination of a garbage dumpster, one or more solar panels, and a storage pod for receiving the dumpster, comprising; a) a garbage dumpster having lifting elements for lifting the dumpster to be emptied; b) a storage pod having a flat surface for receiving and storing said garbage dumpster; c) one or more solar panels connected to said storage pod and located above said storage pod for collecting solar energy; d) an inverter connected to said solar panels for converting said solar energy to electric energy; e) a storage battery connected to said inverter for collecting said electric energy; f) an additional storage housing mounted on said storage pod; and g) additional solar panels mounted on said storage housing to provide additional solar energy. 6) The combination in accordance with claim 5, further including a vertical support member for supporting said solar panels, wherein said vertical support member is telescopically adjustable. 7) The combination in accordance with claim 5, further including a vertical support member for supporting said solar panels, wherein said vertical support member is rotatable to change direction of said solar panels by at least 180 degrees. 8) A combination of a garbage dumpster and one or more solar panels, comprising; a) said garbage dumpster having lifting elements for lifting the dumpster to be emptied; b) one or more of said solar panels connected to said dumpster for collecting solar energy; c) an inverter connected to said solar panels for converting said solar energy to electric energy; and d) a storage battery connected to said inverter for collecting said electric energy. 